Birthday catch up: Parents plan kids’ spring parties after 2 years of modified events

COVID-19 pandemic halted her preparations.As the calendar turned on Oliver’s second birthday last March, public health measures again dampened plans for a sizable celebration.

But now that gathering restrictions are lifting across Canada, the Toronto mother is hoping to catch up on two missed parties with a big bash.About 20 kids from Oliver’s daycare are expected to attend the event in Jurdi’s home in a couple of weeks, with an actor dressed as Winnie-the-Pooh and a bubble show booked for entertainment.

Ontario reports 684 in hospital with COVID-19, 247 in intensive care “We’re transforming the basement into a playground,” she said. “We’re making up for two years of no celebrations.”Ontario lifted capacity restrictions for all indoor settings on March 1, as public health indicators for COVID-19 appeared to show the Omicron wave declining.As restrictions ease and spring welcomes new optimism, many parents are feeling the urge to throw plentiful parties for their March and April babies after two previous birthdays modified by the pandemic.But others still seem hesitant to plan large gatherings.Elvine Assouline, CEO of party-planning service the Fun Master, said bookings for in-person parties still aren’t at pre-pandemic levels for his Toronto-area business, which specializes in children’s events.Assouline quickly pivoted to virtual services when the pandemic began.

Two years later, he said many parents are still opting for online alternatives.Though he’s received many inquiries about spring dates since restrictions lifted, Assouline said he noticed that same trend throughout ebbs of other pandemic waves.“We do see some fatigue for virtual parties because I think everyone is sick of Zoom.